Tag Archives: life

You have said it. You have thought it. Any young person you have near you has also said it – “I Can’t Wait!” We can get excited over many things in life. Looking forward with expectations of good things is natural.

“I can’t wait to see if the Yankees win.” “I can’t wait for the basketball season to start.” “I can’t wait until the medicine or treatment helps me to feel better.” “I can’t wait until school is out.” “I can’t wait until our wedding day!” “I Can’t wait until I see Jesus.” Or my favorite: “I can’t wait until…. dinner!” These are common examples.

Make you own “I can’t wait” statement: I can’t wait _____ _______ ________.

What if we changed our thinking and our perspective a little bit? Instead of focusing on an event, situation, or outcome, what if we placed our expectation in a person? Not a spouse (or fiancée). Not a promotion, start of a season, or outcome of a game. What if our expectation was in Jesus?

In the 13 short verses of Psalm 39, David portrays his need for the Lord. He declares that his hope is in the Lord. He mentions controlling his tongue, sorrow, anger, his physical frailty, the vanity of most men, deliverance from evil, the judgment of God, praying to the Lord, and recovering strength in moments of weakness. He covers a lot of topics in this short chapter! Right in the middle, in verse 7 he says: “What wait I for?” It is a good question! If our hope, expectation, satisfaction and fulfillment is completed in Jesus, what are we really looking forward to in life? What more can a Christian have if Jesus is truly his “All in All.”

I believe that we should have healthy expectations. We should be looking ahead and be forward thinking in our mind. At the same time, while we are looking forward to events and outcomes, we must realize that true fulfillment, peace, and satisfaction does not come from the Yankees winning. Real satisfaction is not found in relationship, events, or outcomes – but in Christ.

This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote in Colossians 2:10: “And ye are complete in him…” While the “I can’t wait” things may be good, Jesus is the best. What more can we find in life if we do not place our hope in Jesus and Jesus alone? The answer is nothing. Without Jesus at the center of our life, decisions, and personal satisfaction for living, we will not find true purpose or meaning for life.

The next time you say: “I can’t wait…” look ahead to Jesus for a moment and remind yourself how He is the ultimate goal we are looking for. Find your fulfillment and completion in Him.

One 12 year old Michigan girl set herself on fire attempting the “Fire Challenge” she saw on Youtube. She burned over half her body and will need 3 more surgeries. She poured rubbing alcohol on herself and lit a match. This “challenge” phenomenon on social media is a dangerous trend that appeals to many young people and teens.

Other challenges include the “Hot Water Challenge” with kids being burned with boiling water. Participants either pour the boiling water on self, another person, or allow it to be poured on them. An attempt to see what level of pain tolerance one has? Perhaps. Dangerous and foolish no matter the reason why.

Kids are easily influenced for foolish things. Be careful of Who and What you allow to influence your kids. Avoid giving young person unmonitored access to the internet on ta phone or computer. It could turn our dangerous for them and for you. Have guidelines, expectations, and accountability in place. Like 1 Corinthians 15:33 teaches, Be not deceived: evil communications (Companions) corrupt good manners. If you want your child to turn out right, make sure you instill discernment for who influences your child as a friend, or companion. Even the internet companions hold tremendous influence.

Speaking of the Christian’s physical body, 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

As Christians, our bodies and our lives belong to Jesus. His desire is that we care for our bodies. We are the temple of the living God and as such, our bodies are to be cared for and maintained to the glory of God.

What is the deal with setting self on fire? Here are several thoughts that may put this ridiculous activity in perspective.

Hell is full of fire.

Fire is indicative of judgment.

Satan wants people to go to Hell.

A demon possessed boy in the New Testament passage of Matthew 17:14-19 would constantly jump into a fire. Jesus rescues this boy.

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Could it be that “self-harm” is suggested by a demon? Is it possible that the “fire challenges” are demon inspired?

While Jesus is interested in life – Satan and his demons are interested in death and dying. When kids are tempted to play “Russian Roulette,” or get as close to drowning as possible, or have a self-induced near-death experience – are these forms of Satanic oppression or even possession? I believe it is very possible.

Recently NFL Legend, Jim Brown declared that he would always stand for the National Anthem. He said that kneeling is disrespectful to the flag and that he always wanted to respect the flag: “I am not going to denigrate my flag…” he went on to say to a reporter while visiting the Football Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio.

With football season nearly here, this will be a topic of discussion from all the radio, tv, and media “talking heads” to regular news, the people at your workplace, and the family around your dinner table.

Respect is an emphasized theme in the Bible. Many passages speak of respecting elders, leaders, and those in authority. Here are 2 for example:

Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Apparently, the Lord desires for us to show respect for “All men.” This would include those with whom we do not agree with personally or politically. When Paul wrote this passage and when Peter penned these words, one of the most tyrannical, ungodly, and incredibly cruel leaders ever- was the Roman Emperor. Just look him up in a history book sometime. His name was Nero. If Paul and Peter could show respect to the leaders in their day, we can certainly show respect to our leaders today. Paul even set a goal to personally give the Gospel to the Emperor.

What about the social injustice? Some injustice is real. Some injustice is fabricated. Some injustice is embellished. And, some things happen because people make foolish personal decisions. If a person is acting suspiciously, fidgeting, pacing back and forth, or being loud and aggressive, people take note, and suspect something is wrong or about to go wrong. Where does “injustice” fit into this “respect thing.”

While I am for doing what is right for myself, my family, and for our community – it should be done with a realistic mindset. Human government, civil disobedience, political movements, and a more informed public will not achieve the goals of the social engineers or even the people who are sincerely trying to make the world a better place. Why not? Because we cannot do what only Jesus can do. Let me explain.

With worthy goals and good intentions, some people are organizing, coordinating on social media, and attempting to influence others to make things “better” or at least their version of what “better” is. But human ability, intellect, and willpower can only do so much. The human heart is misguided according to God in Jeremiah 17:9 when He warned us about following the human heart: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Only Jesus can change a heart. He is the only one who can create lasting and motivationally pure change. Even when we do the right thing, many times it is not with the right motive. We simply cannot do the work of God in righting all the wrongs in this world.

During the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus will rule this earth and He will bring about what many people are trying to achieve today: world peace and human harmony. Observe Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

This verse is speaking of the day when King Jesus is directing the world from His Millennial (1000 year) Reign in Jerusalem. No one would dispute or deny that the peace described in Isaiah 11:6 sounds wonderful. People want this peace.

Speaking about the Christians who will rule with Christ during the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus says in Revelation 2:27: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. Jesus will not tolerate any sin. No social injustice will be allowed. Jesus will ensure that no-one is taken advantage of. He will insure peace. He will provide civil, political, and social equality and stability the likes of this world has never seen. Leaders the world over in governments, think tanks, and college campuses can only dream of the incredible authority by which Jesus will rule.

But we cannot. We are not capable of achieving something that only God can do. So, while we wait for the Millennium, it is a good idea to have realistic goals and a right perspective of pointing people to Jesus. After all – He is their only hope.

Before the Millennium, there are several things that must happen prophetically. They are:

The Rapture. When Christians are taken to Heaven and given new, sinless bodies. Christians are serving the Lord while waiting for the “trumpet to sound!”

The Tribulation. When the Lord judges a Jesus rejecting earth. In this 7-year timespan the world will embrace and empower the Antichrist. He will set up a singular global empire consolidating all economies, militaries, governments, and religions (except Biblical Christianity because all the Christians were raptured).

The Battle of Armageddon. Jesus returns to earth and defeats the Antichrist and all the enemies of God.

The Touchdown. Jesus lands (bodily) on the Mount of Olives. The earth quakes and Jesus proceed to walk to Jerusalem and claim the eternal throne of King David.

The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus sets up His 1000-year reign.

What many people claim they are working and hoping for will only come about – when Jesus is King. What should we do while we wait for this? Honor those in authority. Be thankful for the military. Understand the value of a nation respecting it’s flag and the lives sacrificed for what that flag stands for – freedom.

And the greatest thing you could do – introduce someone to Jesus. Give the Gospel. Help others know how to have their sins forgiven and a home in Heaven.

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Proverbs 18:14

God has given to man an incredible powerful (yet not all-powerful) attribute – man’s will. The spirit of a man can help him cope, deal with, and go through incredible and extraordinarily challenging difficulties. When a man “loses spirit” that is when he is most susceptible to giving up, giving in, or “Throwing in the towel.”

I have seen this “will power” to live when visiting the hospital rooms of those with terminal illness. Sometimes their resolve is the only reason (other than the will of God) that they are alive. Medically speaking, humanly speaking, they should not be alive, but they are by the grace of God. They are looking forward to another day. They have hope for a better tomorrow.

I have also seen the shift in countenance when a person has lost hope, when they are no longer fighting the sickness, when the body has been diminished to the point of their giving up. Even the possibility of pain and suffering can change our minds.

Yes, the spirit of man can sustain through sickness. Generally speaking – as long as there is life and breath – a person has hope of getting better. This is a wonderful perspective that God has given to mankind. If you are facing extreme health conditions, if you are discouraged emotionally, have hope. God cares for you. There are other people who love you. Set up a time to meet with a Christian counselor if you are in a state of despair. Get help in nurturing the God given “spirit of a man.”

In recent days, we have seen an uptick in celebrities and famous people take their own life in suicide. In spite of the fame and financial status, something was missing in their lives. They gave up. They lost hope. Causes are certainly different and individualistic to each case, but overall – they missed the purpose for living. Perhaps they were “wounded in spirit.” If you are depressed or deeply discouraged – talk to a Christian Counselor today. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Make the call today.

Please know that everyone will face discouragement from time to time. It is a natural part of the human experience. There will be low moments of extreme disappointment. The Lord can help you through those times. There will also be times of great joy!

There is natural “Will to live.” Be sure to allow the Lord to nurture that will! He is the One who gives meaning and purpose to life.

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:2-3

Years ago, I learned the “art” of juggling…. Well a little. I was never that good at it. I could juggle 3 hackee sack balls ok – in the right conditions. I had to stand still, look up, and watch out for throwing the ball in the direction of other people! Needless to say, I can’t juggle. The same can be said when we try to live life without the Lord. There are so many “balancing” issues we face and without he priorities of the Lord – we will “Drop the ball.”

Life can be a “juggling act!” There is so much to do, and seemingly so little time to do it in. Many people are so consumed with things, stuff, and opportunities of life that life itself gets out of balance and they begin to “drop the ball.” This post is for you. Be challenged and encouraged to streamline the juggling motions of life.

Like Proverbs 16:2-3 says, “The ways of a man are clean in his own eyes.” Our choices, decisions, and priorities can all be justified – humanly speaking. You can give a “good reason” for why you do what you do or don’t do what you don’t do. Self-justification is a terribly effective habit of the natural man.

At the same time, verse 3 tells us that when we commit our works to God, our thoughts will be established. That is, when we are making decisions based on a “God Priority”, then our decisions will be blessed. When God blesses our decisions, life is less complicated, choices are easier to make, and perspective of what is truly important comes into a clearer view.

How can I start to “juggle” life in proper balance? Here are some Scripturally simplified ideas:

Be still, and know that I am God: Psalm 46:10a

Stop everything at specific moments of each day and each week.

Daily Bible reading and prayer, should be consistent in life.

Church attendance should be a regular part of your week. Plan around church, don’t plan church around the other stuff.

Life becomes too hectic when we do not take time to be still and know that God is God.

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Proverbs11:28

Seeking what is right is better than seeking more money. We do not work to get money anyway – we work to glorify the Lord and to gain the ability to “give to him that needed.” Ephesians 5:28

When we are working for money we look sight of the greater picture that everything we do should be under the auspices of “the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Ask the Lord to help you control your work schedule instead of allowing your work schedule to control you. This is something I learned from my parents as a teenager when they had me mowing lawns or clearing snow, remodeling buildings, instead of flipping burgers or checking people out at a checkout line.

The riches will not last – but right choices last a lifetime and for all eternity!

The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. Proverbs 10:8

“Know it all’s” talk a lot and do not listen well for how to improve their life. They drop the ball because they are attempting things they want to do, or think they can do, but have not consulted the Lord or learned people.

Have you noticed those struggling the most in the “juggling act of life” are generally the ones who are trying to live life on their own. God is not a priority, His input is not welcome. Other people’s encouragement and admonition is rejected. Some people drop the ball and do not even notice!

The wise in heart receives the Bible to make balanced changes in his life.

The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Proverbs 11:5

Making right choices can become a lifestyle pattern.

Notice how the mature Christian will allow what is right to direct his way. When he makes a right choice now – it makes it easier for him to make a right choice tomorrow. Before long a singular good choice will become a whole string of good choices that then becomes a pattern for living.

The more consistent a person is with right choices, the better he will be at juggling life!

Be encouraged to trust your path to the Lord. Avoid juggling life on your own apart from the Lord. Don’t drop the ball! Incorporate Godly reasoning in every decision you make.

Recently during soccer’s World Cup, Mexico scored a goal against the reigning champion, Germany. The citizens of Mexico City were celebrating so much that they actually triggered a measurable reaction on the earthquake scale. The seismic monitoring officials said the celebrants created and “artificial earthquake!” What excitement?! What earth shaking zeal?!

What if Christians were more excited about being more like Jesus than they were excited about being like the world? That is what the Apostle Paul is addressing in Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

I enjoy sports; soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. But as fun as these sports can be – they are just games. Just temporary. Just leather-bound balls of cork or air being chased around a field or court. That is it. Would God help each of us be more excited about the things of God! Paul went on to say what this zealously affect would have in verse 19, My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.

Paul wanted to see the Christians be more like Jesus. That was his goal. He was not in Galatia when he wrote this letter. He wanted to be with them at church. He wanted to preach to them personally, but he was not able to do so for the moment. His goal in his relationship with them was that they would become more like Jesus.

We should not try to cause an artificial earthquake at Bible study or in our church services; but we should be excited about being more like Jesus. Ask the Lord to give you “zeal according to knowledge!”

The following quotation was read by Dr. Adrian Rogers and taken from an essay by a 17 year old boy. This boy wrote an essay on the topic of “union with Jesus Christ” as part of his school work in a Christian school. As you read this, at first it may sound like a terrific essay:

“If we examine the history of man’s nature as an individual, we constantly observe that spark of divinity in his breast. The enthusiasm for what is good. The struggle for wisdom. The longing for truth are being smothered by the flames of desire and greed. The zeal for virtue becomes deathened by the tempting voice of sin and turns into a mockery as soon as we feel the full impact of life. Our hearts reason, history the word of Christ all call out to us loudly and convincingly to tell us that union with Him is absolutely necessary and without Him we would be rejected of God. For He alone is able to deliver us. Once a man has obtained this virtue, this union with Christ, he will awake quietly and composedly, await quietly and composedly the blows of fate. He will bravely oppose the storms of passion. And endure undaunted the rage of the wicked. For who can crush him or rob him of his Redeemer?”

“What’s the problem with all of that? Not a thing in the world, so far as truth is concerned. But if he had been writing an essay on Geography or history he would have done just as good a job because he had a brilliant mind. He knew the answers but he doesn’t know Jesus. Founded atheistic Communism. Can you imagine, a person knowing all of that truth and yet not knowing the Lord?

The person who wrote it was Karl Marx. Karl Marx, the founder of godless, atheistic Communism. The one who wrote the diabolical book, Das Kapital. The one who has caused more misery, more bloodshed, more hatred, more violence, more division, I suppose, than any other man who ever lived. Karl Marx wrote this when he was a seventeen year old boy.” – The Adrian Rogers Legacy Collection

Jesus said in Luke 12:48 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Graduates, purpose to hold the following principles in your daily life going forward. These principles are taken from Amos 5:4, 6, 8, 14.For example: Amos 5:4 says, For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:

In fact, each of the above references say much the same thing: Seek God – Find Life.

You are leaving High School, but you are not leaving God.

Some people walk all alone in life. Israel was walking away from God and Amos warns them that they were walking alone. Can two walk together except they be agreed? No! They were all alone because of their sin.

No matter what happens in life, we must keep seeking God.

Keep seeking God.

God’s people, to whom Amos was preaching had been worshipping false gods for a long time. They had a lot of stuff and in many ways they worshipped their material things, possessions, and money. Read the book of Amos for more details. Greed, stealing, and coveting was all too prominent in everyday life. If they were living in our day and age, they would have looked a lot like us; plenty of food, too much stuff, and lots of money. Possessions and stuff was now controlling them – much like many of us today. If they were alive today, they would have had the best cell phones, the fastest computers, and the best-looking cars. They had everything that mattered materially in life because God had previously blessed their fathers and forefathers. They had enough and more than enough, but they did not have God.

Think of it this way: We do not have much of a life if we live without God.

God’s people had left God. They were walking through life all alone. They had stuff, money, families, jobs, land, chariots, and things – but they had left the Lord. Please note the following and examine your heart…